I Was Rear Ended and Left the Scene. Now I Have a Letter from Police. What Do I Do

[TamyLove7489]

My question involves a traffic accident in the State of: California

I was rear ended while trying to pass a car two weeks ago, pulled over and the man was acting crazy yelling so I left the scene (plz help I know that was STUPID) pulled over and checked my car and there was no damage so i figured it was no big deal...because he rear ended me!...BIG MISTAKE! I just received a letter from the police that I was involved in a hit and run...I have 2 contact them tomorrow. what can/should i say? again there is no damage 2 my vehicle, not even a scratch! there was no witnesses and no cameras. What are the chances of this going anywhere in the legal system if I claim nothing happened... and if I do attempt to explain this to law enforcement how should I say it?

I should let everybody know that I intend of claiming no knowledge of a collision whatsoever. Obviously my car will be inspected or impounded for investigation, and after they find no evidence of a collision then there is no case... am I right?

[That Guy]

I should let everybody know that I intend of claiming no knowledge of a collision whatsoever. Obviously my car will be inspected or impounded for investigation, and after they find no evidence of a collision then there is no case... am I right?

You didn't mention what, if any, damage did the other vehicle suffer so keep in mind that if the impact was sufficient to cause ANY damage to the other vehicle, then it is likely that your vehicle (bumper mount/brace) could be damaged as well *even if* there is no apparent damage to the paint. Assuming that your vehicle is impounded for inspection, you could be caught in a lie, thereby adding to the numerous violations which you've already committed (leaving the scene of an accident + failure to exchange info with other driver...etc).

At minimum, you're already looking at a misdemeanor charge for leaving the scene of an accident... It is up to you whether you want to risk any additional -more serious- charges by lying to the police.